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Posted: September 7, 2010

Bruker Introduces Icon, a High-Performance Desktop MRI System for Easy-to-Use and Easy-to-Site Preclinical and Molecular Imaging

(Nanowerk News) At the 2010 World Molecular Imaging Congress in Kyoto, Bruker Corporation today announces the introduction of the Icon™, a new easy-to-use 1 Tesla desktop MRI scanner that combines simplicity with compact dimensions, in order to bring preclinical magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) within reach for a broader range of molecular imaging laboratories. With its innovative cryogen-free permanent magnet from Aspect Magnet Technologies and high-performance AVANCE™ III spectrometer technology with industry-leading preclinical MRI software ParaVision® from Bruker, the new Icon system delivers powerful performance and ease of use at an attractive price point.

MRI desktop system Icon 1T.

The Icon is a state-of-the-art and cost-effective MRI instrument for routine preclinical and molecular imaging in biomedical and pharmaceutical applications. Bruker's industry standard MRI software ParaVision guarantees access to a wide range of acquisition and processing tools for in vivo and material science MRI applications. Optional software modules enable the Icon to perform the latest MRI applications, such as relaxometry mapping, fast echo-planar imaging, ultra-short echo time lung imaging or contrast agent research. As an educational tool, students will find the ParaVision™ software intuitive, whether it is used to perform research imaging protocols, or to learn programming of MRI methods.

The new compact shielded permanent magnet with its very small footprint results in an easy to site and install MRI system with almost negligible running costs. Even with a field strength of 1 Tesla, the Icon has zero magnetic fringe field enabling safe location of the system in any facility and for use by any operator. No additional magnetic or RF shielding is required for the implementation in the lab. Designed by the world's preclinical MRI market leader, Icon benefits from the AVANCE III advanced digital RF architecture as the technological basis for the latest MRI applications of today's and tomorrow's preclinical questions.

Dr. Wulf I. Jung, Managing Director of Bruker BioSpin MRI GmbH, commented: "High-performance desktop MRI systems have the potential to deliver new research applications to the field of preclinical and molecular imaging. The Icon system is aimed at easy, routine MRI workflows with a compact footprint, low running costs, no magnetic stray fields and push-button imaging performance, based on the latest Bruker spectrometer and software technology, in order to enable new research groups to enter this fascinating field of preclinical and materials MRI."